Health Matters: Preventing Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a serious problem. It’s one that is a growing concern for health experts who say most children are simply copying their parents eating habits.

Dr. Denise Drago, a pediatrician with Lee Memorial Health System, says childhood obesity is on the rise. “The old statistics used to be one and 25 children was obese and now it’s about 1 and 4.”

Health experts say the problem typically doesn’t start with the child. “When the parents are obese, there’s a lot more likelihood that the kids will be obese too. The culture is raising more obese adults which are raising more obese children,” said Dr. Drago.

To determine if a child is overweight, doctors use a BMI chart to measure a child’s height and weight. “For adults they use the number value, for us we use percentiles. If you’re above the 85th percentile of your height compared to your weight for your age then you’re considered at risk for obesity. If you’re above the 95 percentile is when you become classified as obese,” said Dr. Drago.

Obesity is a problem that can actually start at birth. Once a child is able to eat solid food, health experts recommend a diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables, and protein. They also suggest prolonging the introduction of soda, juice, and sweets.

“We also talk about portion sizes and just how much should a child be eating. So when you look at what an adult would be eating, the amount you or I would have isn’t the same as they should,” said Dr. Drago.

If a child doesn’t eat much during a meal, don’t over compensate later by giving high calorie snacks.

“Kids are on iPads. They’re on iPhones. They’re doing a lot more things that keep them stationary. So that’s another concern,” said Dr. Drago. She says limiting the amount of time spent with technology and encouraging activity and healthy eating is important for both child and parent.